The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2019 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (“List”); the 2019 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes; and the 2019 Monitoring Program. The List, which was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee on 20 September 2018, will come into force on 1 January 2019.
The List designates which substances and methods are prohibited, both in and out of competition, and which substances are banned in particular sports.
“WADA is pleased to announce the publication of the 2019 Prohibited List,” said WADA Director General Olivier Niggli. He added that “updated annually, it is one of the cornerstones of the global anti-doping program. Every year, we review the List in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. It is vital that we stay ahead of those that endeavour to cheat the system, so in reviewing the List, experts review sources such as scientific and medical research, trends and intelligence gathered from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies.”
The List’s annual revision process is led by WADA. For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must be determined that it meets two of the following three criteria:
It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance
It represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes
It violates the spirit of sport.
Athletes are responsible for the substances that enter their bodies and for being aware of all methods included in the List. Athletes and their entourage can be held liable in case of an anti-doping rule violation and be subject to disciplinary proceedings. As a result, WADA publishes the List with sufficient time so that athletes and their entourage can acquaint themselves with any modifications and take all the necessary measures that may be required to ensure compliance with WADA’s and FIFA’s regulations.
It should be noted that athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List may be accommodated if they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE). The TUE process has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, doctors and anti-doping stakeholders worldwide.
To view the changes made to the 2019 Prohibited List as compared to the 2018 version, please see the 2019 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.